The conflict between Iran and Israel intensified Friday as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched its 17th wave of missile attacks targeting Israeli military bases, while diplomatic efforts resumed in Geneva in a bid to contain the spiralling hostilities.
In a statement, the IRGC said it struck Israeli military facilities including the Nevatim and Hatzerim airbases. “Precise hits on Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Beersheba demonstrate that our offensive missile power is growing,” the IRGC said, signalling Iran’s increased missile capabilities and willingness to sustain its campaign, reports AL Jazeera.
Meanwhile, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported ongoing diplomatic discussions in Geneva between Iranian and European officials. Although the talks paused for internal consultations by the European parties, the Iranian delegation maintained a positive outlook.
“The first round of talks was held with a respectful and serious approach, encompassing the perspectives of all parties involved,” IRNA quoted the delegation as saying. “Some of the issues raised could benefit from greater clarity to help pave the way for diplomacy.”
“Only a halt to aggression can open the path to diplomacy.” It added, “Iran has not walked away from the negotiating table, and this round of talks does not mark the end of dialogue.”
The European countries—specifically the UK, France, and Germany—known collectively as the E3, were said to still aspire to play “a historic role” in facilitating renewed negotiations, particularly amid fears of broader regional instability.
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Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also travelled to Switzerland for meetings with the European Union’s top diplomat and foreign ministers from the UK, France, and Germany.
Speaking earlier at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Araghchi called Israel’s actions an “unprovoked aggression.”
Meanwhile, at the United Nations Security Council meeting in New York, Iran’s UN Ambassador Amir-Saeid Iravani urged the council to take action against Israeli airstrikes that he said had caused severe civilian casualties, including children.
“At least two pregnant women and their unborn children were killed on the same day Israel struck the national broadcaster IRIB during a live broadcast,” Iravani said. He described Israel’s actions as “gross violations of international law” and warned of global consequences.
He warned that if the council fails to act now, it will send a message that international law and resolutions apply selectively and if the non-proliferation regime collapses, this council will share responsibility with the Israeli regime.
On the other hand, in response to Iran’s latest missile strikes, the Israeli military claimed it had targeted three surface-to-surface missile launchers in western Iran that were “ready to fire.” It further stated that a drone strike had killed a group of Iranian soldiers during the overnight operation, including a commander of an IRGC base.
Earlier same day, thousands of people protested after Friday prayers in Tehran and other cities, chanting slogans such as “Death to America! Death to Israel!” and “No compromise! No surrender! Fight with America!”
Some demonstrators waved Iranian flags while others held placards condemning Israel. Iranian state television aired footage of the demonstrations, including one scene where a protester pulled a mock figure dressed as US President Donald Trump by the necktie.